CMOS hits big time, lands in medium-format cameras with new Hasselblad H5D-50c

After spending years as an underdog to the CCD sensor in the early days of digital photography, CMOS image sensors have now become the dominant format. Almost across the board, they've replaced CCD chips in compact and interchangeable-lens cameras. There's one place in which the CCD sensor still reigns supreme, though, and that's medium format cameras. But an announcement today from Hasselblad makes it clear that the status quo is about to be turned on its head.

The once-humble CMOS imager looks set to truly hit the big time -- and we emphasize big -- with the announcement that the next Hasselblad camera will be based around a 50-megapixel, medium format CMOS chip. And just as in smaller-sensored cameras, the arrival of CMOS in the medium format Hasselblad H5D-50c is predicted to translate to faster capture rates, much better high ISO performance, and support for longer shutter speeds. Hasselblad also promises "greatly improved" live view in its Phocus app, along with Multi-Shot capture.

Hasselblad are teasing their upcoming H5D-50c DSLR, the first medium-format camera to be based around a CMOS image sensor instead of a CCD.

Beyond this teaser, little is yet known about the Hasselblad H5D-50c, which will apparently retain much from the existing, CCD-based H5D-50. The new camera is set to go on sale this March, however, so we haven't long to wait! Medium format fans, watch this space...